Obituary of John J. Bowers

John J. Bowers, age 95, of the Town of Lee, passed away peacefully September 5, 2014, at his home, with his family at his side. He was born August 8, 1919, in Rome, a son of the late William C. and Freida Sattler Bowers, and attended St. Mary's School in Rome. John was united in marriage to the former Betty Gleasman on April 2, 1943, in St. Mary of the Assumption Church; she died August 19, 1997. He worked for Conrail, retiring in 1982, after 42 years of service. He was an active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church and a 75 year member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen/United Transportation Union. John is survived by a daughter and son in law, Lynne and John Piatkowski of Rome; a son and daughter in law, William and Maryelen (Cookie) Bowers of Whitesboro; son in law, Mike Mihalczo of Hanover, PA; two sisters, Freida Hickey and Evelyn Horn; grandchildren, Bonna and Ted Warnock, John and Tracy Mihalczo, Mike and Carol Mihalczo, Heidi and Jack Sheehan, Crystal Graves and Greg Keith, Alison and Matt Riordan, Jacqueline and Brendan Bell, William and Kristen Bowers and Robert Bowers; great grandchildren, Sean and Will Bowers, Bonna and Ryan Sheehan, Cody, Jessica and Carly Warnock, Cassandra Mihalczo, Jameson and Brady Keith, Mallory and Patrick Riordan, and Elias Mihalczo; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Jacqueline Mihalczo and granddaughter, Kim Marie; four sisters, Kathryn Hoffmeister, Emma Marsh, Betty Ernst and Margaret Murphy; and a brother, Paul Bowers. Funeral services will be held for the immediate family Tuesday at 9:45 AM from the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church., 210 W Liberty St, Rome. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the care given by Hospice, the staff at Rome Hospital 2N and Dr. Patrick's office, and Jennifer and Deb who provided assistance during his recent care at home. No floral arrangements. Donations can be sent in memory of John J Bowers to: Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413 or via their website. There are no calling hours.